The Vatican's Philatelic and Numismatic Office today released two new commemorative gold coins for 2016.

The first piece is The Pontificate of Pope Francis gold 10 Euro coin. The coin is meant to celebrate the Sacrament of Baptism. Baptism is crucially important in the Roman Catholic faith, the Sacrament forms the basis of the whole Christian life and acts as the gateway to life in the Spirit.

Vatican 2016 Gold 10 Euro Baptism Coin

The reverse design features the profile image of Jesus with his head bowed as if at the moment when he received Holy Baptism from John the Baptist. The legend reads : “CITTA 'DEL VATICANO” and “10 EURO”.

The obverse of the coin features the right facing effigy of Pope Francis at the center with the legend written in Latin encircling his portrait around the rim. The legend reads : “FRANCISCVS PP. AN. IVBILAEI MISERICORDIAE” and the year of issue, 2016, in roman numerals at the bottom “MMXVI”

The coin was designed by artist Antonella Napolione, has a diameter of 13.85mm and is struck from .917 fineness gold. The proof coin is suggested to retail at around €195.00 with a limited mintage of 3000 coins.

Vatican 2016 Gold 100 Euro St Luke Coin

The second piece is The Pontificate of Pope Francis gold 100 Euro coin for 2016. The 100 Euro coin forms part of The Evangelists series and is dedicated to Saint Luke the Evangelist. The reverse design was beautifully rendered by artist Patrizio Daniele. The coin depicts Saint Luke in the act of painting the icon of the Blessed Virgin Mary, “Salus Populi Romani”, which can be found today in the Basilica of Saint Mary Major in Rome. At his feet are three books, on the cover of the top book  is engraved an image of a winged ox, which was a symbol of the early Evangelist. The reverse legend reads : “CITTA 'DEL VATICANO” and “100 EURO”.

The obverse of the 100 Euro coin features the papal coat of arms of Pope Francis. The 100 Euro gold coin is struck from.917 Fineness gold. The impressive 35mm coin falls just shy of an ounce at 30grams and will have a limited mintage of only 799 coins. The proof coin is suggested to be sold at €1750.00 upon release.

Both coins are struck by the IPZS(Italian Mint) on behalf of the Vatican.